Black soy milk: Nutritious and versatile, but skipping it is better than harming your health

Black beans are a common type of bean in Vietnam, often used to make dessert and beverages. Black beans have many health benefits. Traditional medicine and folk experience often use black beans to nourish the kidneys. However, black beans also have some restrictions.

Benefits of black beans:

Good for bones and joints: Black beans are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for the structure of the bones. Additionally, black beans are high in zinc and iron, which help maintain the flexibility and strength of the joints. All these minerals are present in black beans, making them beneficial for bone and joint health.

Lower blood pressure: To maintain normal blood pressure levels, it is important to keep the sodium intake low. Black beans are not only rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, but also naturally low in sodium. Therefore, drinking black bean water can effectively reduce blood pressure.

Protect cardiovascular health: Black beans contain a complex of B vitamins, which not only improve blood vessel health but also reduce triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels in the body. As a result, the health of people with heart disease improves.

Prevent cancer: Black bean water contains plant compounds and 8 different types of flavonoids that are good antioxidants. These compounds help reduce the damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to cell changes and cancer. Black beans are also rich in fiber, which effectively supports the prevention of colorectal cancer. These are the explanations for the benefits of drinking black bean water for cancer prevention.

People who should not consume black beans:

Although black beans are good for health, some people may not receive as many benefits and might experience side effects:

People with kidney disease: Black bean water is good for kidney health, but for those with kidney disease, caution is needed. Black beans have a diuretic effect, so people with kidney disease need to be careful to avoid worsening their condition.

People taking mineral supplements: Black bean water contains phytate, which affects the absorption of minerals in the body. Phytate interferes with the absorption of minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, and phosphorus. Therefore, it is recommended to take mineral supplements at least 4 hours apart from drinking black bean water. Or those who are actively undergoing treatment should temporarily avoid drinking black bean water.

People with digestive disorders: People with digestive diseases such as colitis, diarrhea, or poor digestion should not consume black beans. If you still want to drink black bean water, it is recommended to roast them and consume them in small quantities, and adding ginger slices can help prevent stomach discomfort.

Children and the elderly: These are sensitive groups with weaker digestion. The high protein content in black beans can be difficult for the elderly, children, or individuals with weak digestive systems to digest completely, leading to digestive issues, bloating, and abdominal pain. Therefore, these individuals should only consume black beans in moderate amounts.

Furthermore, when drinking black bean water for health care, it is important not to add too much sugar, as sugar is not good for health. When roasting black beans to make the beverage, adding a few slices of ginger helps balance the cooling properties of black beans, enhances their benefits, and reduces side effects such as stomach discomfort and diarrhea.